Topical Effect of Snakehead Fish (Channa striata) Extract on Blood Vessel Formation During Post-Extraction Socket Healing

Abstract

Tooth extraction is a common dental procedure that inevitably causes injury to the alveolar socket. While most extraction wounds heal uneventfully, some cases experience delayed healing due to complications. Angiogenesis plays a vital role in the wound healing process by maintaining adequate blood flow to the injured area during the proliferative phase and supplying oxygen and nutrients necessary for cellular regeneration. Snakehead fish (Channa striata) is believed to influence angiogenesis due to its high content of bioactive compounds, including albumin, copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), and unsaturated fatty acids, which are known to enhance growth factor activity and promote tissue repair. This study aimed to evaluate the topical effect of 50% Channa striata extract on new blood vessel formation during post-extraction socket healing. A post-test-only control group design was employed, using 14 male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) divided equally into two groups. Following the extraction of the left mandibular incisor, the control group (K) received no treatment, whereas the treatment group (P) received topical application of 50% Channa striata extract on the socket. Observations were conducted on day 7, and the number of blood vessel lumens was counted histopathologically. The data were analyzed using an independent t-test. The mean number of blood vessels was 34.71 ± 4.176 in the treatment group and 24.00 ± 2.309 in the control group, showing a significant difference (p = 0.000). It can be concluded that the topical application of Channa striata extract effectively enhances angiogenesis, thereby accelerating post-extraction socket healing.